In this essay, the aim has been to investigate how the possibilities of leaving gang criminality are portrayed in the news media. It is of criminological interest to examine the extent to which news articles address the limitations and opportunities for individuals involved in gang criminality, as this could have long-term implications for criminal policy and crime prevention efforts. Currently, there is no previous research specifically focusing on the news media's portrayal of the possibilities of leavinggang criminality, hence this essay contributes additional insights. The theories utilized in the essay include labeling theory and social bond theory. A qualitative content analysis method was employed to study 103 Swedish news articles published between October 2022 and November 2023. The material was processed using a coding scheme with themes and categories. The analysis revealed that defection programs are the primary means for gang criminals to exit criminal networks. It highlighted the challenges faced by defectors with high threat levels and emphasized the significance of community and social relationships in successfully completing the defection process. The analysis identified significant shortcomings within authorities and defection programs responsible for the process. Overall, the results depict defection programs as deficient, and the process is portrayed as uncertain, all while lethal violence continues to rise. This may contribute to the public's perception that the preventive efforts of defection programs are not effective enough to handle the situation, potentially leading to a tougher political stance on combating gang criminality. It may also signal to gang members that their chances of leaving gang criminality are slim and that authorities are not reliable